Learn more about the John Purpose…

At the end of the last chapter Jesus finishes by saying “arise, let us go from here!” After leaving the place they had dined, Jesus and His disciples head in the direction of the Garden of Gethsemane, on the Mount of Olives. Midnight approaches, as the full moon shines down on them, (Jewish Passover is always celebrated during a period where there is a full moon,) and Jesus continues to give His last words of advice and comfort to His disciples. These words were either given on the way to the Garden or in the Garden.

When reading this chapter I traveled into the scene, I saw myself there among the eleven. I listened and took in every word the Lord Jesus said, as we walked together and then sat by the olive trees in Gethsemane. This experience will bring you an even greater understanding than simply reading the text in print or on the screen of a digital device in the 21st century. You should try it.

Taking advantage of the scenic garden, Jesus compares our relationship to Him to that of a vine and its branches. As long as we are “together and mixed together” with Him, He is with us, and we will bear much fruit. He cleans us with His word so that we bear much fruit, receive the answer to our prayers; and show the world, through our actions and character, that we are His disciples.

When you are not in Him, far from a relationship with Him, the opposite of all this happens: you are alone, you won’t bear fruit, you will not receive His words and advice (you will be lost,) you won’t receive anything you ask for, everyone sees that there is nothing of God in you, and you end up being thrown into the fire like a dry branch which has no use other than to be burned. The fire here is probably an illustration showing the destiny of those who choose to live far from Jesus: it’s hell.

As for those who choose to live with Him, Jesus reinforces the kind of love that awaits them: “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.” John 15:9

I’ll have you know: that’s no ordinary love!

The love that the Father has for Jesus is so deep and grand that it’s inexpressible. It’s a love that puts them on the same level. The Bible says that the Father gave everything to the Son, He gave Him a name above all names, total authority on earth… And Jesus came and said, “as my Father loves me, I love you.” God loves us as He loves Jesus. That’s insane!

Going from one extreme to another, He also speaks about the hatred that we would suffer: the hate of a world who doesn’t know Him. Following Jesus won’t get you a round of applause. Most will criticize you and become your enemies, starting off with your friends and family. Trying to convince them otherwise won’t get you anywhere either. The father has not been revealed to them yet. They didn’t understand His message.

The sign of a true disciple of the Lord Jesus is the hatred that the world harbors towards them. But this happens so that the word may be fulfilled: ‘They hated Me without a cause.” (Psalms 69:4)

Thank goodness for the inexpressible love of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit to compensate!

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